Genus Anthornis

 

Anthornis melanocephala - In appearance it was very similar to the New Zealand Bellbird Anthornis melanura but was considerably larger. Also the whole of the head and neck was brightly glossed in purplish or steel-blue.

New Zealand Bellbird - The bellbird is found throughout both the main islands of New Zealand apart from the north of the North Island. Its population and distribution had been seriously affected by the introduction of European-style farming, which has led to the removal of native forests . Another important factor is the introduction of predatory species such as cats, weasels, stoats, ferrets, rats and food-robbing species like wasps. Predators either eat the birds or consume eggs, while food robbers compete with the bellbird for its natural food sources of nectar, honeydew and insects. The decline occurred around the same time as many other New Zealand species, but for unknown reasons was reversed and the species is still common across much of New Zealand .

Order : Passeriformes
Family : Meliphagidae
Genus : Anthornis